ABOUT US

The Annex Quest House is a Victorian century home in a central residential district of Toronto known as “The Annex” – a neighbourhood of tree-lined streets and valleys full of Toronto’s native wildlife.

The home, and its neighbours along this stretch of Spadina Road, was expropriated in advance of anticipated demolition. The House, and its carved stone facing, received a reprieve from the wrecker’s ball when the Spadina Expressway was cancelled in 1971, as did its distinguished next-door neighbour to the north, a Victorian turreted miniature castle. The home was converted into a rooming house.

Replacing the planned expressway is the Spadina subway line, linking the Quest House with Downsview Park to the North, the Bloor east-west subway, Yonge subway line, and University Avenue and Lake Ontario to the south. Soon the line will connect directly with York University and Black Creek Pioneer Village.

The former Annex Guest House was acquired in 2003, and restoration work was initiated under the direction of Kathy Cox, respected author, consultant and speaker who founded Vastu Living – a modern adaptation of vastu, the ancient Indian science of architecture and design. The Annex Quest House opened in February 2004.

A history of the storied Annex District is available for guests to borrow – upon request.

Our Neighbourhood

The Quest House is steps North from Toronto’s main mid-town shopping, restaurant, and transit thoroughfare known as Bloor Street. Here you will find the University of Toronto, Honest Ed’s (ya gotta see to believe), Mirvish Village, Royal Ontario Museum, Bata Shoe Museum, the new Koerner Hall (classical, jazz, pop, opera, and world music), the famed Yorkville District, and Yonge Street (world’s longest street).

A short walk farther south is the UofT Athletic Centre, Field’s Institute, MaRS Discovery District, Queen’s Park, Chinatown, Kensington Market, and the famed (resurrected) El Mocambo, an ol’ favourite of the Rolling Stones, Horseshoe Tavern, and the one-and-only Grossman’s. A short walk north leads to George Brown College Casa Loma Campus, historic Spadina House, and Toronto’s own castle on the hill – Casa Loma and the beautifully restored Victorian Spadina House. A short scenic ride on Toronto’s famed Red Rockets (streetcars) takes you south to the Air Canada Centre (Maple Leafs and Raptors), Rogers Centre (Champion Blue Jays), Harbourfront (lakeside festivals, theatre, music and cuisine), Billy Bishop Airport, Toronto Island (parks, bike paths, beaches, and “Pre-Disney” children’s amusement park) – where Babe Ruth hit his first pro home run! Fort York (where who won the war of 1812?), Canadian National Exhibition, BMO Field (Toronto FC), and Ontario Place.

Our Services and Amenities

Each of our eighteen Vastu rooms come with their own ensuite bathroom, bevelled copper sink and hand-made wooden basins. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, in-room telephones, Room A/C and heating, wooden bedframes and dressers, full mirrors, Mini-fridge, Coffee Maker, Microwave and Cable TV. A variety of free snacks, bottled water, parking and laundry are also available. We are proud to offer a strictly non-smoking and scent restricted environment. A shared seasonal patio is also provided.

Ask about our affiliated properties and special amenities for long-term guests.